What's missing: Outfielder Nelson Cruz spurned the Rangers' qualifying offer and left as a free agent, and catcher A.J. Pierzynski went to Boston. Closer Joe Nathan returned to the Twins. Second baseman Jurickson Profar will miss 10-12 weeks with a shoulder injury, and starter Derek Holland is out until midseason after knee surgery.

Best case: The Rangers fell just short of the division title in 2012 and the postseason last year, but they're consistent 90-plus-game winners - they'll be at or near the top of the division again.

Best case: If Albert Pujols is healthy and Josh Hamilton productive, the Angels have a decent shot at contending. The real question will be the team's starting pitching: After Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson, there's a distinct drop-off, and the bullpen, though slightly better, remains suspect.

What's missing: Ibañez and first baseman Kendrys Morales left, Ibañez to the Angels and Morales to compensation-free-agent limbo - with the Mariners still retaining interest. Lefty Joe Saunders went to division-rival Texas.

Best case: With major new assets and one of the best crop of close-to-ready young players, the Mariners finally could end their 12-year playoff drought.

What's new: Outfielder Dexter Fowler was acquired in a trade with the Rockies. Starter Scott Feldman provides experience, as do Jerome Williams and reliever Jesse Crain. Top pick Mark Appel, the former Stanford starter, has Rookie of the Year potential if he is called up early enough in the season; outfielder George Springer is also a candidate for rookie honors.

Best case: Losing fewer than 100 games. There's little doubt that Houston will start to turn around its fortunes in another year or two after stockpiling some of the best minor-league players in the game.